Hoplite Battle Reenactment

I'll be the first to admit that this isn't a technology project. I've
always found the ancient world fascinating, and use this project as an
excuse to share that passion with the students! That said, this project
gives the 6th grade a great opportunity to explore the connections
between economics, technology, politics, and culture.

Day 2: Supplies and Construction

Each student should bring in the following by Thursday, April 23rd. They can bring them earlier, too! Also,please do not encourage your children to get creative with the materials or design for shields or spears. These were designed specifically to be as safe as possible. We will construct shields and spears in class, not at home.

For the aspis (shield):

2 pieces of sturdy cardboard cut into circles 2.5 feet in diameter, preferably without any slits or cutouts Making an aspis (hoplite shield) requires two layers of cardboard. Please cut the circles at home. Do not cut slits for strapsor attempt any other steps!

2 strips of sturdy cloth 2-3" wide and 3 feet long each (total 6 feet), for making shield straps. Canvas or cuts from old jeans would work well.

For the dory (spear):

Duct tape (for reinforcing the pool noodle)

1
pool noodle for use as a dory (spear). Available at the Dollar Tree
for $1 if you need a new one. I found that the kind with a flower/star
shape seems to hold up better than the round ones:

Students will take their shields and spears home at the end of the day to decorate them.

Forming a Phalanx

Day 3

In city-state groups, students elect a captain to lead military exercises

Students practice forming a phalanx with overlapping shields, advancing, retreating, and turning right and left

City states may join with their allies to form a larger phalanx

City-states may earn up to 5 points demonstrating their ability to maintain ranks

Day 4

Students will warm up by practicing the skills they learned on day 3

City-states will join with their allies to form phalanxes of multiple rows with protruding spears

Alliances will advance, retreat, and turn maintaining formation

Alliances will drill rotating rows while holding a front line

Day 5

Alliances will practice the "shoving match" typical of a phalanx battle. One citystate will try to hold the line while the other tries to break through

Alliances will practice battle. Battle is holding the line and rotating front lines while under attack with dory.

Day 6: Battle!

Students will answer questions about the role of hoplites in Ancient Greece

Javelin Competition

Alliances will have several break-through and bopping battles, with points awarded for best teamwork and line continuity.